Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence

Welcome to the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence

Established by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in 2012, our Center is committed to enhancing the capacity and impact of nonprofit organizations throughout Lackawanna County and beyond. We’re here to support the nonprofit sector by providing essential resources, training, and events that empower organizations to achieve their missions more effectively.

Training Opportunities for Nonprofits in Lackawanna County

Thanks to the generous support of the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence is proud to offer a variety of training programs to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Lackawanna County.

We encourage you to explore our training opportunities and apply early to secure your spot! To see our upcoming training programs, visit our Events Calendar.

eCornell Courses & Certificates

A partnership between the Scranton Area Community Foundation and eCornell is the newest effort to help build capacity and skills for our current and emerging nonprofit leaders. Through this partnership, participants can take a single eCornell course, or take courses in pursuit of one of 250+ online certificates at a heavily discounted rate.

For a full list of certificates and their associated courses, visit eCornell certificates.

We’ve streamlined the process to make it easy for you to take advantage of these opportunities, visit our special portal at eCornell Partnership Portal to review the process and submit your application.

This partnership is designed to empower both current and emerging nonprofit leaders by providing access to world-class education at a fraction of the cost.

Heavily Discounted Rates

Through this initiative, the tuition cost for each eCornell course is 85% covered by capacity-building grant funds. This means that participants only pay:

• $100 per course
• 4-Course Certificate: $400 total
• 5-Course Certificate: $500 total
• 6-Course Certificate: $600 total
• 7-Course Certificate: $700 total

Capacity Building Grant Program

In 2019, the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence created the Capacity Building Grant Program (formerly known as the Executive in Residence grant program) to allow nonprofit and other civic organizations in the region the opportunity to receive one-on-one support to increase their organizational capacity. The Capacity Building Grant Program will provide grants to nonprofit organizations to procure this one-on-one support in specific fields and disciplines. The consultant may provide hands-on assistance, expertise, coaching and/or knowledge to help accomplish a particular organizational goal and to help build the organization’s capacity for the future.

Program Information

Nonprofit organizations approved for a Capacity Building Grant will receive a capacity building grant between $500-$5,000 to work with a consultant with the expertise that would best meet the organization’s needs. If the organization chooses to work with a consultant from our consultant list, the consultant will be available at a rate of $50/hour.

Alternatively, the nonprofit organization could select a consultant of their choosing, though they would be subject to that consultant’s rates as negotiated by the nonprofit organization. The grant amount the organizations will be approved for will be based on the assumption that their projects will take between 10 and 100 hours at the $50/hour consultant rate. All grant amounts will be calculated based on the number of requested hours multiplied by the $50/hour rate.

Please note: This grant opportunity can only support the consultant and their associated fees.

Examples of Possible Projects or Supports

• Strategic Planning
• Succession Planning
• Team Building
• Leadership Development
• Board Relations and Development
• Grant Research and Writing
• Fundraising Planning
• Financial Management
• Capital Campaigns
• Branding and Communications Strategy

Applications accepted on a rolling basis through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

About the NEPA Learning Conference

Our flagship event, the NEPA Learning Conference, is a bi-annual gathering specifically designed for nonprofit employees, board members, and volunteers, offering a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

At the NEPA Learning Conference, you’ll gain access to:

• Expert-Led Sessions: Dive into topics like advocacy, fundraising, leadership, and capacity building.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry experts to share ideas and strategies.
• Tools for Success: Walk away with practical tools and insights to enhance your organization’s impact.

For more information, visit the NEPA Learning Conference website.

Help Strengthen Our Community Through Board Service

Strong nonprofit organizations need strong leaders.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to partner with Leadership Lackawanna and United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike to launch Board Match—a new initiative designed to connect talented, community-minded individuals with meaningful board and committee service opportunities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Board Match helps nonprofit organizations identify skilled, passionate volunteers while providing individuals with the training, resources, and support needed to serve effectively in leadership roles.

Whether you’re looking to share your expertise, expand your community involvement, or help advance a cause you care about, Board Match can help connect you with opportunities that align with your interests and experience.

For nonprofit organizations, Board Match provides access to a growing network of qualified candidates ready to make a difference through board and committee service.

Together, we’re building stronger nonprofit organizations, developing community leaders, and creating lasting impact throughout our region.

Interested in getting involved?

• Individuals: Apply here to be matched with board and committee opportunities.
• Nonprofits: Register your organization here to connect with prospective board and committee members.

Stay Connected with Us

Want to stay updated on all things related to the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence?

• Follow us on Facebook to get the latest news and event updates.
• Check out our Events Calendar to see what’s coming up next.
• Join our email list.

Together, we’re working to elevate community leadership and achieve nonprofit excellence.